From Australia to the UK, Governments Push for Social Media Age Limits
News Desk
15 June 2026, 14:34
A growing number of countries are introducing laws and proposals to restrict children's access to social media platforms, citing concerns over cyberbullying, addiction, mental health issues, and online safety.
Australia became the first country to implement a nationwide social media ban for children under 16, and several other governments are now pursuing similar measures.
Critics, however, warn that such restrictions could raise privacy concerns due to age verification requirements and may fail to address the underlying challenges young people face online.
Australia Leads the Way
Australia became the world's first country to ban social media for children under 16 in December 2025.
The restrictions apply to platforms including: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, Kick. The ban does not include WhatsApp or YouTube Kids.
Companies that fail to prevent underage users from accessing their services can face fines of up to AUD $49.5 million (USD $34.4 million).
Countries Planning Similar Restrictions
Austria
Austria plans to ban social media use for children under 14. Draft legislation is expected to be finalized in June.
Canada
Canada introduced a digital safety bill that would prohibit children under 16 from using social media unless companies can prove they have sufficient protections for young users.
Denmark
Denmark plans to ban social media access for children under 15 and is developing a digital age verification system to support the measure.
France
French lawmakers have passed a bill banning social media for children under 15. The legislation still requires Senate approval.
Germany
Germany's conservative government has discussed introducing a ban for users under 16, although coalition partners remain divided on the proposal.
Greece
Greece plans to ban social media access for children under 15 beginning in January 2027, citing concerns about anxiety, sleep problems, and addictive platform designs.
Indonesia
Indonesia plans to prohibit children under 16 from using social media and several popular online platforms, including:
YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, Roblox
Malaysia
Malaysia intends to introduce a social media ban for users under 16 later this year.
Poland
Poland's ruling party is drafting legislation that would ban social media access for children under 15.
Slovenia
Slovenia is preparing legislation to prohibit children under 15 from using social media platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.
Spain
Spain plans to ban social media for children under 16 and is also considering laws that would hold social media executives personally accountable for hate speech on their platforms.
Turkey
Turkey's parliament has approved a bill restricting social media access for children under 15. The legislation now awaits presidential approval.
United Kingdom
The UK government is considering a ban on social media for children under 16 and is also evaluating restrictions on addictive platform features such as endless scrolling.
The Debate Continues
Supporters of these measures argue that limiting children's access to social media can help protect young users from harmful content, online predators, and excessive screen time.
Critics, including digital rights groups such as Amnesty Tech, argue that broad bans are ineffective and could create new privacy risks through mandatory age verification systems. As more countries consider restrictions, Australia is likely to remain the key test case for whether social media bans can effectively improve online safety for children and teenagers.
